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First dates can often end up a waste of time and money and who can afford that?

Here are 12 tips to perk up your first dates and give them the best chance of leading to second dates.

1. Get active

If you end up with someone dull, imagine being stuck with them over dinner or the pub – argh. Don’t lose the will, instead choose a date scenario that creates a sense of fun and adventure. Go-karts, comedy, a festival anything that means that even if they’re dull, you’re still guaranteed a good time.

2. Ask better questions

It’s hard to be dull if someone is asking you interesting questions. Go for things like, ‘what’s in your fridge right now?’, ‘which celebrity would you rescue in a fire?’, ‘what 5 things can’t you live without?”. You’ll learn a lot about them and hopefully you’ll have a laugh.

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3. Keep the focus on the present.

A first date should focus on the present. It’s not the time to delve into the past (bad ex stories come to mind) or ask about the future (way too soon for the marriage/kids convo). Keep it light hearted and focused on the here and now.

4. Share from the heart

A good date is one where you can create an emotional connection. If you share one or two stories from the heart, it’ll help avoid the superficial chit chat. But don’t overshare. Remember we’re avoiding the past and future. Keep it about what’s going on with you now.

5. Channel a carefree vibe

Dates are meant to be fun. The most fun you’ve had in ages. If you’re worried about that presentation you’ve got to do tomorrow or that huge bill you haven’t paid yet, you’re doing something wrong. Make the commitment to put all negative and stressful thoughts out of your head. Imagine yourself into the holiday vibe for the duration of the date and it’ll be hard to have a bad time.

(Picture: Getty)

6. Treat the date as an adventure

Don’t stay in one place, but take them on a mini journey involving a few stop offs. You might start at a coffee shop, then walk along the river, browse a market, stop for an ice cream before finishing up somewhere for a glass of wine. The variety of locations and activities will mean you’ll always have something new and fresh to talk about it.

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7. Don’t focus on proving yourself

Those dates where one of you feels they have something to prove are usually the most tedious. It’s almost impossible to connect with someone if their focus is on making themselves look good. Make your focus about ensuring your date is having a good time. The rest should follow.

8. Don’t overthink things

Give your inner critic the night off and let the inner badass come out to play. Choose to be the confident version of you instead and see where that leads you. They don’t know any different so you can showcase whichever version of yourself you like. Make it the fun one.

9. Include something that makes you feel confident

Good at pool? A knock-out at bowling? Challenge them to a game of something that you’re naturally good at.

10. Include something that they’re good at too

Take the time to find out what they’re good at and find a way to bring that into the date. The happier and more confident they are too the more fun you’ll have.

11. Choose something atmospheric

An atmospheric date can be anything from going to a jazz club to trying out a wine tasting night and can hide a multitude of bad date sins.

12. Know when to bring the date to an end.

Don’t drag the date on too long. If you like them, you’ll want to leave them wanting more. And if you’ve followed all these tips and you’re still having a bad time, it’s time to cut your losses and get the heck out.